Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is hardening of the arteries that carry heart blood so it circulates throughout the body. This condition is not normal because healthy blood vessels must be flexible, flexible and elastic. Arteriosclerosis causes impaired circulation of oxygen-rich blood and nutrients from the heart to various body tissues.
Many people are often mistaken when interpreting arteriosclerosis with atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. Atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis are derivatives of arteriosclerosis, the symptoms and treatment of the three are not much different. All three occur in the arteries.

Arteriosclerosis
Early arteriosclerosis rarely causes symptoms. Signs of arteriosclerosis only appear when the arteries become narrowed and the blood flow becomes blocked. This condition can trigger cardiovascular disease.
Symptoms of arteriosclerosis

Here are some signs of arteriosclerosis:

  • Numbness of hands or feet, difficulty speaking, loss of vision and facial muscles are weak or even paralyzed if a blockage occurs in an artery leading to the brain.
  • There is pain in the chest called angina pectoris, if a blockage occurs in an artery leading to the heart.
  • Walking pain, if there is a blockage in the arteries that lead to the legs and feet.
  • Hypertension to kidney failure, if a blockage occurs in the arteries leading to the kidneys.

Causes of arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is caused by hardening of the artery walls. This may be caused by fat accumulation in the inner lining of the arteries (atherosclerosis) or thickening of the arterial wall muscles due to high blood pressure (hypertension). When the inner walls of the arteries are damaged, blood cells and others clot in the damaged area.

Over time, plaque formed from cholesterol will also accumulate and harden in the damaged area. This causes narrowing of the arteries, so that blood flow is obstructed. If blood flow cannot flow smoothly, the body's organs and tissues cannot function properly.

The risk of arteriosclerosis can increase due to:

  • Frequent and rarely exercise.
  • Obesity and an unhealthy diet.
  • Hypertension and cholesterol.
  • Stress and excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Lack of nutrients from fruits and vegetables.

Diagnosis of arteriosclerosis


There are several diagnostic procedures for arteriosclerosis, including:

  • Blood tests to detect increased cholesterol and blood sugar which can increase the risk of arteriosclerosis.
  • Heart catheterization, to see if there is a blockage or narrowing of the heart arteries using a catheter.
  • Scanning, to detect calcium deposits and aneurysms in the arteries. This test can be done via CT scan or MRA.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG), to record the electrical signals sent by the heart at a certain time.
  • Doppler ultrasound, to measure the pressure and velocity of blood that passes through the arteries through the arm or leg.
  • Stress test to determine the patient's response when the heart is working hard. Patients are usually asked to walk on a treadmill.
  • Ankle-brachial index, to check for possible arteriosclerosis in the legs and feet.

Treatment of arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis can be treated as follows:

  • Change lifestyle. Eating healthy food, exercising regularly, and not smoking can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and more serious illnesses due to arteriosclerosis.
  • Drinking drugs. Plaque formation and hardening of the artery walls can be stopped by taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, high blood pressure and antiplatelet drugs to eliminate blood clots.
  • Angioplasty Surgery. In the procedure that begins with this angiogram, the doctor opens a vein and inserts a balloon-shaped instrument (stent) to resolve the blockage inside. This procedure can reduce the symptoms of arteriosclerosis.
  • Bypass the heart. The surgeon will remove or graft some healthy blood vessels (usually the legs or chest cavity) and move and suture them to the blocked area.
Prevention of arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis can be prevented by minimizing the risk factors mentioned above. Therefore, build a healthy lifestyle, eat nutritious food and exercise regularly.

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